Political Science
Constitutionalism and Representation
Constitutionalism is the idea, pattern of behavior, and attitudes of governance where the government is legally limited in its authority, powers, and derives its legitimacy from observing these limitations as stipulated by the constitution (Alexander, Larry & Solum, Larry, 2005). The significance of constitutionalism is the aspect of moral and legal framework that sets and limits the power of the government, by representing the will of the citizens. In fact, the government is restricted from being tyrannical by the same constitution it derives its powers from since the framework is developed through consensus. Therefore, in this form of governance, the basic freedoms of people, their personality, and dignity are maintained by the provisions of the constitution through the inbuilt restrictions on the powers given on the government.
Representation is the process of enabling the people to participate in shaping governmental policy and legislation through some of them or through deputies chosen by the people (Ankersmit, 2002). The importance of the process is that since in the modern world, the population is large and not all citizens can gather to participate in governance or formulate policies then there is need for representative government. Therefore, the citizens elect a small number of people among them who will act on their behalf. In essence, the voice of the majority is heard through their representatives and there is greater commitment to provide continuity and stability of government policy that are beneficial to the citizens.
How they compare and contrast
Both constitutionalism and representation are democratic systems that recognize the role played by citizens and allows decision making to come from the people. The governments in both systems have limited powers and there is legal framework to guide the government. However, in constitutionalism, he government’s power are limited by constitution while in representation, the chosen deputies represent the citizens.
Political Science
Political science is the branch of knowledge that entails the study of systematic behavior and structure of a country and institutions of politics through scientific analysis (Shively, & Shively, 2008). The study of Political science is important because it enlightens on issues that deals with the public affairs, government, citizenship, political systems, political activities, and prediction of political behavior. In addition, political science m
Power
Power is the ability to persuade or manipulate the peoples’ behavior. Power is associated with wealth, authority, and politics (Shively, & Shively, 2008). The importance of power is in its ability to convince an individual to do what you can personally do and do it willingly.
How they compare and contrast
The understanding of both power and political science enables an individual to shape the preferences of others. In political science, the focus in on the group power and this involves justice, identity, conceptions of community, and citizenship. On the other hand, power is associated with what an individual can do in terms of his/her political position, which may include commanding, directing, and coercing among others.
Two-party and Multi-party System
This is a political system of governance where the two major parties dominate the country’s politics. In this system, the small parties do exist, but they do not have a considerable political influence in the country (Disch, 2002). The two-party system is significant in the government because it promotes the public good by ensuring that there is political participation and allows the citizens to express their opinions and take part in the political system in terms of how they are governed
In multi-party system, there are more than two parties, which have the ability to be elected and control the government. Disch (2002) highlights that in this system, the small parties can participate separately or work together in coalitions. The system works well in democracies and it promotes moderation policies in various ways. In addition, the system represents diverse interests and makes sure that the there is proper implementation of government policies.
How they compare and contrast
Both systems are democratic and they rest on a compromise where parties elect moderate candidates prior to the elections who they agree can win a majority. In two-party system, the citizens have only two choices, a situation that may affect the voter turnout. In addition, two party systems might be more polarizing. On the other hand, Multi-party system provides more choices to the voters and even if the small parties are outvoted, they are likely to raise pertinent issues that the big parties would not raise.
Democratic Capitalism and Marxist Socialism
Democratic capitalism is an economic set up in a country where the means of productions are owned by private sector and people are responsible for their lives without any interference from the government (Boswell, & Chase-Dunn, 1999). The government on the other hand protects the community by enforcing the contracts and maintaining order. The importance of this system is that there is no interference by the government and supply and demand forces guide the market. In addition, it is evident that the private enterprises are better placed in controlling and organizing economic activities in the country.
Marxist socialism is an economic principle developed by Marx where the ownership of property and natural resources is at the hands of the public rather than in the few hands of private ownership (Boswell, & Chase-Dunn, 1999). The significance of this system is anchored on the equality because all citizens contribute to the economy and eventually the produced goods and services are shared equally.
How they compare and contrast
Both systems are. On the other hand the Marxism system differ from the democratic capitalism because in the latter system it is the individual effort that matters and the distribution of goods and services is dictated by forces of supply and demand.
Fascism and Conservatism
Fascism is a structure of governance ruled by a dictator who controls the peoples’ lives without allowing them to disagree with the government and the state controls the entire facets of national life (Renton, 1999). Although Fascism has been condemned over the years, the structure can only be significant when the country is at war with external forces.
Conservatism
Muller (1997) avers that conservatism is the belief and appreciation in the value of instituted traditional practices in the society and politics. In essence, it is the belief in the historical wisdom that offers critical foundation for an unwavering society.
Conservatism is significance to the society because it creates the spirit of trusteeship and recognizes that the history offers an important foundation for a stable society. It emphasizes that the progress of a nation is to build on the existing work of history.
How they compare and contrast
Both structures agree on the differences in peoples’ genetic endowment, which generate abilities and talents, a situation that both structure maintain that some individuals are suited than others when it comes to political leadership. However, in fascism, political elites are supported to rule the nation without any restriction by principles of constitutionalism such as liberal democracy. On the other hand, conservatism stands for liberal democracy and maintains that parliamentary controls, judiciary, free and fair elections, independent media, and provision of civil liberties should restrict the executive power of political elites.
References
Saylor Academy (2014, n. d). POLSC101-Introduction To Politics. Retrieved from: https://learn.saylor.org/course/polsc101
Muller, J. Z. (1997). Conservatism: An anthology of social and political thought from David Hume to the present. Princeton, NJ: Princeton Univ. Press.
Renton, D. (1999). Fascism: Theory and practice. London: Pluto Press.
Alexander, Larry & Solum, Larry, (2005) “Popular? Constitutionalism?” Harvard Law Review, 118(5, Mar): 1594–1640.
Ankersmit, F. R. (2002). Political representation. Stanford, Calif : Stanford Univ. Press.
Shively, W. P., & Shively, W. P. (2008). Power & choice: An introduction to political science. Boston: McGraw-Hill.
Disch, L. J. (2002). The tyranny of the two-party system. New York: Columbia University Press.
Boswell, T., & Chase-Dunn, C. K. (1999). The spiral of capitalism and socialism: Toward global democracy. Boulder, Co: Lynne Rienner Publishers.
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